Forever in our hearts

It wasn't until an event at FDC where Nayak Raj Razzak and I had our first encounter. However, that first meeting was preceded by many interviews over the phone, where the ever benevolent Razzak gave me all the answers I was looking for.

On his 70th birthday, late entertainment journalist Mohammad Awlad Hossain took me to his residence for the first time, and introduced me to him. Lokkhikunjo was alive that night, bursting with splendor and celebrations as all the famous artistes and other associates gathered to celebrate the legend's big day.

After the death of eminent actor Anwar Hossain, Razzak invited me to FDC, where I listened to his memories of their times together. Razzak fondly addressed him as Anu Bhai, and their friendship had many great stories.

I asked him to give me time for a photo-shoot, and he invited me to his house. He was ill then, and had asked me to give him some time to recover. When I finally went, it was a brisk winter morning, and he was waiting for me with his granddaughter. We sat together on the balcony, and I interviewed him, before having his photos taken under the shade of a tree in his lawn.

When actors Khalil and Chashi Nazrul Islam passed, we spoke again, and they came to life in his priceless memories, which are now important archives.

In his youth, Razzak was an avid footballer during his years in Kolkata, where he played goalkeeper. He followed the World Cup with great attention, and his eyes lit up whenever he spoke of his favourite sport.

One of our last meetings happened this year, when members of the press along with I went to his house, where he agreed to give us one hour of his time. Before departing, he said, “Make prayers for my wellbeing, wherever you are, and do your jobs well, to which us artistes are indebted to.”

Sometimes he used to say, “I would like to depart this world while I am still active in the industry.” Other times he jokingly said, “I have earned the love of 150 million people, when I have won over 200 million, I shall be ready to move on to the afterlife.”

He may have left us all now, but he shall remain forever in our hearts.